ONLINE EDUCATION

Impact of Distance on Class Preferences and Examination of Differences between Online and Face to Face Students: An empirical Investigation

Abstract

This research paper explores the role of demographics factors on the selection of online classes by the students over face-to-face students. Data was collected using questionnaire from 42 respondents who were included in the study. Results showed that credit terms, work hours, number of children, and students who have children less than 18 years prefer online classes over face-to-face study classes. Results of study hours, schedule ease, eight week classes, online class opinion, and online class feelings provided no significant impact on the decision of students for the selection of online classes over face-to-face classes. Test result show that people living at distance of more than 50miles from CSC will take more online classes.

Impact of Distance on Class Preferences and Examination of Differences between Online and Face to Face Students: An empirical Investigation

Introduction

Online education space is an environment that does not physically exist; it is also a heritage site to facilitate the distribution of information related to a particular area of knowledge, allows remote interaction between users interconnected by a network of computers. Online Education trend is increasing day by day because of the assistance it provides to customers. Online study refers to those in which teachers, scholars and students participate remotely via computer networks, making intensive use of the information technologies facilities that involve communication using internet. Online study mechanism differs from conventional face to face education environment. Interactive distance online education is based on the concept of e-learning, which refers to delivery system for distance learning, supported by the Information and Communication Technologies (Jackson, 2008; Bernard, 2006). 

The main objective of this study is to examine the factors that encourage a person to prefer online studies over conventional face-to-face study classes. There are many different factors that contribute to online study education. Work hours, number of children, younger children (less than 18 years) also creates a change in the decision of students for choosing online classes as mean for these variables stood high for online class students. Online study helps in developing a virtual meeting point that allows students (learners) and teachers (facilitators) to interact in order to achieve a common instructional goal, without the limitations of space or time. This research paper explores what factors contribute in enhancing people orientation to online studies.

Research Hypothesis

H1: Online students and face to face students study will differ because responsibility factors interfere with study medium selection.

In order to effectively analyze the factors, this hypothesis has been sub-divided into sub-section hypotheses. These are listed below.

H1a: There is a significant impact of credits terms on student preference for choosing online study or face-to-face education.

H1b: There is a significant impact of work hours on student preference for choosing online study or face-to-face education.

H1c: There is a significant impact of study hours on student preference for choosing online study or face-to-face education.

H1d: There is a significant impact of schedule ease on student preference for choosing ...